Jewson and Barnardo’s get together in charity partnership

Jewson will be raising funds for Barnardo’s in 2017 after the children’s charity was selected as its charity partner for the next 12 months, part of charity efforts throughout the Saint-Gobain Group.

Under the ‘Together’ initiative that sees Jewson and other companies in the Saint-Gobain group take part in volunteering and fundraising activities for a staff-nominated charity, the builders’ merchant will support Barnardo’s in transforming the lives of vulnerable children.

Barnardo’s helps to give children a voice, defending, safeguarding and supporting the most vulnerable in society. The key focus of the new partnership will be to help vulnerable young people across the UK; particularly those who have spent their childhood in Local Authority care, and need support to enter the world of work as an independent adult.

Throughout the partnership, Jewson and Saint-Gobain will extend its network of Employment, Training and Skills services to ensure that vulnerable young people, including care leavers, don’t miss out on the support, advice and work opportunities available to those from different backgrounds.

As part of its charity efforts, Jewson has already set a new Guinness World Records title for the most people wrapping presents simultaneously.

800 employees from Jewson branches and offices across the UK gathered at the NEC Birmingham to break the record of wrapping 496 presents, which was achieved in China earlier this year. All of the presents will be donated to Barnardo’s. As well as the presents from the record attempt, Jewson employees from around the UK are also donating gifts to Barnardo’s in their local areas.

Mark Rayfield, chief executive of Jewson, said: “Christmas isn’t the happiest time of year for every child, so we hope getting unexpected gifts will help brighten up their day. Barnardo’s is our charity partner for 2017, so what better way to kick off the campaign than donating presents to children that the charity supports.”